For Scott and Risë Labig of Phoenix Farms, leaving the land better than when they got it is the top priority of their farming operation. They raise primarily grain crops like corn, soybeans and wheat. In addition to the farming operation, Scott is also an independent business owner selling AgriVantage.

“We are only here for a short period time so my ultimate goal is to be a steward of the land, leave the land better than when we got it,” said Scott.

Living in the area that they do, staying in compliance with the regulations in place is a priority.

Scott has his license and certifications for custom application and fertilizer usage. They also work closely with the extension educator in Darke County in order to stay up to date on current issues and policies.

Their farm in Greenville, Ohio has been a part of Scott’s family for 75 years. The house he grew up in still remains a part of the farm.  Scott attended Ohio State ATI and then returned to his family’s farm. He began farming on his own in 1979 and has been farming ever since. During the 80s, their family liquidated their hog farm. Scott then went to work off the farm for 25 years in management. This year marks nearly 40 years of Scott being involved on the family farm.

Scott and Risë have been married since 1980. Scott literally swept Risë off her feet as they met through International Flying Farmers. Scott was serving as the State President when he met Risë. Scott had his pilot's license and would fly to Bowling Green to pick her up from school.

The success of their farm comes from vast resources of knowledge that both Scott and Risë has plugged into in order to receive accurate information and answers. This includes building relationships with their extension agent, weather advisory programs, and marketing experts. Additionally, they are reading and listening to farm news, reading blogs, using Google and listening to their fellow farmers to gather this knowledge.

“I’ve always wanted to get off the farm and go to meetings and seminars. It’s not all about production,” said Scott. “You have to be in tune with the market place.”

Risë works off the farm as a Marketing Executive for Ohio Country Journal. She provides the staff there with her marketing expertise. She is originally from Old Fort, Ohio where she grew up on a dairy farm.

As for advice for young couples in the farm industry, Scott and Risë encourage them to know their business thoroughly, seek knowledge and work closely with experts in the business.

“Always know you cost of production, said Risë. If you don’t know that then you’re not going to be successful in anything that you do.”

Paul Hall Insurance is proud to work with the Phoenix Farms to ensure that their farm is properly insured. Thank you for your business!